MTEL Early Childhood (72)

The Early Childhood test is a subject-matter knowledge test for the Massachusetts Early Childhood teacher license, which covers prekindergarten through grade 2. It combines multiple-choice questions on four content subareas with two open-response assignments that require analysis of an individual child's work.

Field 72 test format at a glance

Field 72 subareas and approximate score weights

Multiple-choice questions account for 80 percent of the total score and the two open-response assignments for 20 percent, 10 percent each.

Each open-response assignment presents exhibits such as a lesson plan and a child's work sample with teacher notes. The response, typically 150 to 300 words, identifies a strength and a need shown in the work, describes an activity that addresses the need and supports the standard, and explains why the activity would be effective, using specific evidence from the exhibits. Responses are scored on purpose, subject matter knowledge, support and rationale, on a scale of 4 (thorough) to 1 (weak). Section 10 covers the method in detail with model responses.

• Each test receives a scaled score. The qualifying score is 240.
• The multiple-choice and open-response sections are combined into one total score; there is no separate passing score for each subarea.
• There is no penalty for incorrect answers. Answer every multiple-choice question.
• Score reports show performance by subarea, which identifies where to focus study before a retake.
• After a computer-based test, a receipt of completion is issued at the testing center. Score release dates are posted on the official MTEL website.